"...that if this proposal were implemented there
would be 2,800 fewer pedestrian and pedalcyclist injuries over
the life of each model year of hybrid cars, trucks and vans and
low speed vehicles, as compared to vehicles without sound."

For reference, there were 4,280 pedestrian fatalities (13 percent
of total traffic fatalities) and 618 bicycle-car fatalities in 2010
(1.9 percent of total traffic fatalities), according to NHTSA data.

NHTSA's "preferred alternative" (one of several, including no
action) "would establish minimum sound requirements within specific
one-third octave band ranges between 160 and 5000 Hz for EVs and HVs
at idle through 30 km/h, as well as when in reverse," according to
the agency. Required sound levels would range from the low 40s dB
(idle) to around 60 dB (at 18 mph). Another alternative favored by
automotive manufacturers and used in Japan calls for sound up to 44
dB only on motion and only up to 12 mph (20 kph).

You knew this was coming. And in the age of the downloadable app, in
the era of the ringtone, this presents a huge new opportunity for
drivers to customize their EVs and PHEVs. Artificial engine noise
would be so completely lame, but you have to figure that'll be an
option.

But how about a lion growl? Elk bugle? Uncontrolled laughter?
Chainsaw noise? How about easing into the school parking zone
blaring "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's 9th? Driving into the parking
lot at work with Mozart's "Requiem?"

We have 60 days to comment. How would you customize your car's
sounds? Let us know your ideas in the reader comment section below!

I have LPC Xpresso board targets from NXP to give away for the 10 cleverest
contributions!

How do you deal with a bicycle coming by just as you step off the curb? Bicycles are even quieter than cars, even EVs. Should bicycles be required to make more noise as well?
Do you really trust that bicycle courier to see you as he's trying to make his deadline?
I live out in the country and often walk my dog along the side of the road (no sidewalks). I can usually hear a car coming, but I'm not hearing the sound of the engine. I hear the tire/road and the wind turbulence noises. Those aren't any different with an EV than for any other car with a decent muffler.

The problem is that we have such extensive noise pollution in our suburban or city environment that we cannot hear anything anymore. I assure that deep in the woods you CAN hear or rolling car with the engine OFF and that not even on a gravel but on regular road (you DON'T need to have an extra hearing). The solution should be to try to LOWER the overall acoustic NOISE floor so the SIGNAL would STAND OUT (can't recall when a higher S/N Ratio would be bad?).
There is this ridiculous safety argument about why the motorcycles need to be loud, taken to the full consequence everybody should remove any muffler from all the vehicles!

The syncopated clops of horse shoes hitting the ground. At 4 mph and below the gait would be a walk. At speeds from 5 mph to 10 mph the sound should transition to a trot. From 10 mph to 17 mph it should be a canter, and speeds from 18 mph to 30 mph the sound should be a gallop. In this way, sight-impaired people will know how fast a vehicle is approaching so they can adjust accordingly.

Someone already got the first half of my suggestion -- the clip-clop of horse hoofs. I would add, on cobblestone, with optional metal-banded wagon wheel adder.
Of course, for historical reasons, the horse-hoof sound recording would have to actually be of banging some coconuts together...

Cars should make as little noise as possible. Adding noise is ridiculous. Every minority group for every activity in the universe want's their special needs catered to. So if this goes through everybody has to put up with 'noise' from there cars that they don't make naturally. No extra noise!